Expression patterns of FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 map to bacterial entry sites in plant shoots and roots

Summary

Expression of the flagellin receptor FLS2 is regulated in a cell/tissue-specific and stress-induced manner that correlated with sites of bacterial infection. The vasculature expresses FLS2 and responds to flagellin.

Abstract

Pathogens can colonize all plant organs and tissues. To prevent this, each cell must be capable of autonomously triggering defence. Therefore, it is generally assumed that primary sensors of the immune system are constitutively present. One major primary sensor against bacterial infection is the FLAGELLIN SENSING 2 (FLS2) pattern recognition receptor (PRR). To gain insights into its expression pattern, the FLS2 promoter activity in β-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter lines was monitored. The data show that pFLS2::GUS activity is highest in cells and tissues vulnerable to bacterial entry and colonization, such as stomata, hydathodes, and lateral roots. GUS activity is also high in the vasculature and, by monitoring Ca ²⁺ responses in the vasculature, it was found that this tissue contributes to flg22-induced Ca ²⁺ burst. The FLS2 promoter is also regulated in a tissue- and cell type-specific manner and is responsive to hormones, damage, and biotic stresses. This results in stimulus-dependent expansion of the FLS2 expression domain. In summary, a tissue- and cell type-specific map of FLS2 expression has been created correlating with prominent entry sites and target tissues of plant bacterial pathogens.